Timberlake FCCLA Brings Hands-On Holiday Learning to Elementary Students

In December, members of the Timberlake High School (THS) FCCLA Chapter partnered with local elementary classrooms to lead a hands-on holiday playdough    activity that combined leadership, service learning, and Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) instruction.

The project was developed and tested during the chapter’s Culinary Basics bread unit, allowing students to model real-world baking and mixing techniques while engaging younger learners in a fun, seasonal experience. By adapting a no-cook playdough recipe, participants mirrored traditional baking processes while emphasizing skills such as sensory exploration, fine-motor development, and emotional regulation.

Chapter leaders thoughtfully prepared for the activity by scaling the recipe into individual portions, creating student-friendly recipe cards, developing guiding questions, and organizing learning stations. This structure allowed each elementary student to independently measure, mix, knead, and shape their playdough while receiving guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

More than 150 elementary students participated, gaining hands-on experience with precise measuring, following directions, and creative expression. At the same time, Timberlake FCCLA Members strengthened their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills by serving as mentors and role models.

Through this project, the chapter demonstrated how FCCLA programs use Family & Consumer Sciences to build leadership and create meaningful, positive impact within the community.